Phyllis Anyango Ouko who refused to vacate her office at Harambee House. [Courtesy]
Phyllis Anyango Ouko, who has served in the Office of the President for over two decades, has accused senior officials of pushing her out to make space for a larger office. She currently holds the position of Secretary, Administration in the Ministry of Interior.
Ouko has reportedly spent three nights inside her office, insisting that demolition orders were issued and would be executed the moment she steps out.
“They want to demolish my office the moment I leave. How can I be moved to the eighth floor with no accessible lifts in case of malfunction, servicing, or a power outage? I’m being timed like a rat,” she said, visibly distressed.
Ouko refused to relocate from her current first-floor office to the eighth floor, saying the proposed space does not accommodate her mobility as a person living with disability. She emphasized that any relocation must include proper planning for safe evacuation and assistive facilities that enable her to continue working effectively.
“I have served this country diligently. Now you want to push me out with nowhere to go?” she added.
Renovation crews have already begun clearing surrounding offices, but Ouko continues to stand her ground.
The incident has drawn widespread attention, with fellow civil servants and disability rights advocates rallying behind her. Many are criticizing government institutions for failing to prioritize the needs of staff with disabilities during infrastructure upgrades.
“This is not just about a building. It’s about dignity, access, and fairness,” said one official familiar with the standoff.
Despite assurances of relocation support, no suitable or accessible office had been provided as of the time of reporting. The matter has since been escalated to senior ministry officials for urgent intervention.
